One Piece: I'm not Roger

However, it was clear that Charlotte Linlin did not think so, as she replied happily.

"We were discussing recent business. If you're interested, Roger, you can join in. I can guarantee you'll make at least 20 billion Berries a year."

At the same time, Stussy chimed in.

"That's right, Roger-sama. Although the small change we earn is insignificant to the new richest man in the world, we are very, very sincere."

Her pleasant voice stretched each word slowly. Stussy's flirtatious eyes sparkled like starlight. Aether could not help but admire her as a veteran spy.

In nearly five months, because he had cleared out most of the shady dealings in his territory, the head of the Five Emperors' domain had become an empty and highly profitable market for those in the underworld.

It was worth remembering that Aether held the largest individual cash flow in the world. Everyone present had heard of his spending spree over the past two months. Securing a piece of that flow would be ideal.

With intricate ties to the World Government, they could not only get closer to the head of the Five Emperors but also secretly assist the World Government in gathering intelligence.

Seeing their calculated intentions, Aether glanced again at Stussy. She was less than 1.8 meters tall, petite by pirate world standards, yet her curvaceous figure was striking. Combined with her refreshing temperament, she carried the aura of a refined lady.

Among everyone present, Aether valued Stussy the most. Not because he lusted after her, he was not that shallow, but because Stussy was Vegapunk's spy. Her understanding of Egghead far exceeded anyone else's, possibly even Admiral Kizaru, who was responsible for Egghead Island's security.

The only ones who knew more were the seven Vegapunks on Egghead Island and Sentomaru, who grew up there.

In the heavily guarded waters around Egghead Island, teeming with Modified Sea Beasts, an invasion without an insider would be nearly impossible, especially if one intended to catch the World Government off guard.

So Aether said politely,

"Stussy, I will certainly accept your invitation, but let's not discuss the unsavory dealings of certain people."

While speaking, Aether openly looked at the King of Loan Sharks and the King of Assassins. His message was crystal clear.

"You…"

The two men almost slammed the table and stood up, but neither Aether nor Big Mom gave them the confidence to act.

Stussy elegantly wiped her red lips and said,

"Of course. As long as Roger-sama opens up the market, I will have the most beautiful women take charge of your area. I will ensure Roger-sama is satisfied."

A woman of such noble temperament speaking such bold words, Stussy's presence was undeniably provocative.

There is a saying that the bed is the easiest place to gather information. Aether guessed that many of the women under Stussy were likely spies or informants, so he played along.

"Then what if I want the beautiful Miss Stussy to accompany me?"

"Hehe, Roger-sama, you must be joking. I am very expensive. Aren't you afraid I will drain you completely and leave nothing behind?"

"Do not worry about me, Miss Stussy. Whether it is my wealth or my body, my limits are beyond your imagination. I look forward to exchanging techniques with you."

While the two chatted, a new prompt appeared in Aether's system.

[S-Class Figure Stussy has developed negative emotions toward the Host: Moderate Disgust. Reward: 2,000 EXP.]

Indeed, the saying that the prettier a woman is, the better she is at lying proved true. Beneath the seemingly harmonious interaction, it was impossible to miss the depth of her hostility. He did not doubt for a second that if she had the chance, she would kill him without hesitation.

Aside from Stussy, Aether also held friendly discussions on cooperation with Morgans and Giberson. After all, real business opportunities existed, and maintaining a good relationship with Morgans was especially useful for gathering information.

As the conversation grew more lively, Aether brought out some Butterfly Immortal Brew for the four to taste. Of course, this was brew that had already been poured an hour earlier. The crystal clear liquid, faintly glowing with starlight, released a mellow and enchanting aroma. Everyone watched eagerly as Aether poured it into their glasses.

Unfortunately, the King of Loan Sharks and the King of Assassins were not fortunate enough to taste it.

Aether said bluntly,

"You two pieces of trash are not qualified to taste my fine wine. Also, Linlin, I will send a jar to your daughter's wedding banquet. This is an immortal brew that increases lifespan."

Hearing that the wine could extend lifespan, everyone's eyes lit up as they stared at the glasses. They had already heard that Aether possessed divine items that increased lifespan, and they had not expected to taste one today.

While the two Underworld Kings gritted their teeth in anger, Charlotte Linlin took a sip of the immortal brew and immediately felt the changes in her body. She said with delight,

"Roger, you did not need to bring such a generous gift for the banquet. How about we form an alliance? I have many daughters for your son Ace to choose from."

Aether's hand holding the glass twitched slightly. Good grief, Charlotte Linlin, could you stop bringing this up? Setting aside whether he would agree, Rouge would definitely not accept it. But just as Aether was about to refuse, the King of Loan Sharks, Du Feld, mocked,

"Linlin, it is not even certain whether Lord Roger's son is actually a son. I have heard that Ace can turn into a woman, so…"

Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom.

Before Feld could finish, terrifying Conqueror's Haki crashed down on him. The overwhelming pressure caused the ground to tremble violently. The man, whose strength had already weakened to the level of a Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral, could not resist at all and collapsed to the floor.

Pinned to the ground, Feld's expression twisted in shock. He never expected the other party to strike so decisively over mere verbal provocation.

Although the Conqueror's Haki was directed only at Feld, its intensity still caused everyone's expressions to change. They had seen many users of Conqueror's Haki before, but none matched the oppressive force of the man before them.

Charlotte Linlin narrowed her eyes, releasing a dangerous glint, simply because Aether's Conqueror's Haki was two levels above her own.

"Roger, your Conqueror's Haki has grown to such a level. It seems Kaido's proposal for cooperation is worth considering."

Although wary of its overwhelming strength, Charlotte Linlin made no move to stop Aether. Compared to a bottle of life extending immortal brew, Feld's humiliation was insignificant as long as his life was spared.

Aether walked up to the exhausted Feld, lightly patted his face, and said with a friendly expression,

"The sea is ultimately a place where strength speaks. You do not get to act arrogant just because you hold a title. I will give Linlin face and let you go this time, but do not show your face in front of me again."

Having enjoyed a comfortable life for over a decade, Feld burned with rage. As the King of Loan Sharks, wielding life and death over others, he had never suffered such humiliation. Even the World Government would not treat him this way.

At that moment, his only thought was to kill the man before him, even if that man was the Pirate King.

However, the situation left him no choice but to endure for now. A capable hunter must first learn to hide himself.

===

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